Report: MBTA Has Highest Derailments Across Major Transportation Systems
A new study has revealed that the MBTA ranked above major states such as California and New York as having one of the worst transit systems for derailments.
According to data the Boston Globe obtained from the report, most of the issues surrounding the T involve vehicle maintenance, an aging infrastructure, and operator errors. Last year alone, drivers received 66 speeding citations.
An NBC News10 Boston report said that 20 speeding citations occurred in 2020, 12 in 2021, 18 in 2022, nine in 2023, and 44 in 2014, the year of the most intensive track repairs.
A federal report issued in 2023 blasted the MBTA and requested a safety improvement plan, which the MBTA complied with.
Following that report, derailments that didn’t involve passengers continued to affect service delays, confusion over replacement shuttle buses, and rider frustration.
In an interview, MBTA General Manager Philip Eng told the Globe that his agency takes all derailments seriously and that the number will “definitely be down” next year.
Brian Kane, executive director of the T advisory board, added that the high number of derailments can be explained by the scope of the track work performed. However, Kane noted, there would be significant concerns if the trend didn’t improve.
The MBTA is facing a $700 million budget shortfall and requires approximately $25 billion to correct its system. Gov. Maura Healey recently proposed a $1.4 billion proposal to stabilize finances for the MBTA, but it would require approve from the state’s legislature.
